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Stop Thinking Like a Job Candidate, Start Thinking Like a Hiring Manager

CareerWhen it comes to the job search, there are a lot of things to do in order to get hired. From creating resumes and cover letters to networking and interviewing prep, the list of tasks can seem endless.

But there’s one “to do” that most job candidates don’t have on their lists that can actually harm them during their search. While the end goal of a job search is to find a job that’s a match for your background and personality, one of the top ways to get there is to stop thinking like a job candidate and start thinking like a hiring manager. Unfortunately, most candidates are so caught up in their needs that they don’t even consider the needs of a potential employer.

So what do hiring managers want to know? Here are some tips to help you get into their minds:

Google Yourself

When a hiring manager Googles your name (and trust us, they will), what are they going to find out? Are they going to see a professional LinkedIn profile? Or are they going to be able to access your Facebook page, along with all the inappropriate comments and pictures you posted from your best friend’s bachelorette party?

You can be the most skilled professional around; however, when distasteful information about you is available to a hiring manager on the web, then they’re going to assume you’re lacking in the common sense department.

Research the Employer

Before you write your resume or cover letter, learn every detail you can about the company. Find out about the key players, the challenges faced in the company and the industry as a whole, what the company mission and vision are, and its track record of important accomplishments.

When you know all you can about the employer, you can align your skills and background to their specific needs in your cover letter and resume.

Tell Employers What They Want to Know

A hiring manager doesn’t care about that job you had in high school delivering pizzas. They want to know:

a) Can you do their job?

b) Examples of accomplishments that prove you can perform.

c) Will you be a good fit for the company culture?

d) Are you going to be a good return on investment?

When crafting your cover letter and resume and preparing for your interview, keep these thoughts in mind. It’s not all about you; it’s about how your background and skills can benefit the potential employer. The more you’re able to prove that, the better your chances are of landing the job.

So when you’re conducting your job search, put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. For every job you’re interested in, learn about their needs and then demonstrate clearly how you can meet them.

Need More Help With the Job Search Process?

If you do, give PrideStaff a call. As one of the leading employment agencies in Tempe, we work with top employers in the area and can give you access to rewarding jobs that aren’t always advertised.

Contact PrideStaff today to learn more about how we can help you.

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